Sticky Like Sweet Potato Candy

Cindy Zhu was slapped so hard that her head spun. It took her a while to react. When she looked up and saw who had hit her, her face drained of color. "Dad? You... you’re really here?" she cried.

Prime Minister Zhu’s face was as dark as a brewing storm. He glared at Steward Jia, Aunt Autumn, and all the servants, roaring, "What do you think you’re doing? Are you rebelling?"

Immediately, the servants dropped to their knees, trembling with fear.

Was the eldest lady actually telling the truth?

Did she really come with the Prime Minister himself?

Oh my god!

How is that even possible?

"Aunt Autumn, why are you here too?" Prime Minister Zhu turned and asked.

He still showed some respect to the matriarch’s trusted attendant.

"Prime Minister, it was... it was the third lady who brought us here. She said she wanted us to see the real face of the eldest lady with our own eyes!" Aunt Autumn frowned and shot Cindy Zhu a look as she spoke.

"The real face?"

"She said..." Aunt Autumn glanced at Evan Xiao, who had followed them out. "...that the General's maid, Lily Bai, was involved."

Prime Minister Zhu instantly understood everything. So, Cindy Zhu had wanted to frame Grace while she was here to gather information!

Clearly, in Cindy Zhu’s mind, not only did she have no sisterly feelings, she didn’t care about her father at all!

His temples throbbed in embarrassment. He shot Evan Xiao a helpless look and spat out, "All of you, get out of here! Shameless fools!"

Cindy Zhu was utterly dazed, and ran off as if fleeing for her life.

The other servants hurried away too.

Prime Minister Zhu took a deep breath, then turned to Evan Xiao. "General Xiao, I’m sorry you had to witness this embarrassment!"

Evan Xiao glanced at Grace and said, "No need to be so polite, Prime Minister! If there’s any gossip about Miss Lawrence coming to my manor to ask about your schedule, just let me know if you need anything. I can explain it myself."

Miss Lawrence?

Looks like they’ve finally broken the ice between them!

Who made the first move, though—her dad or Evan Xiao?

No matter who did it, seeing her dad’s reaction made Grace feel a huge weight lift off her chest.

Prime Minister Zhu waved his hand. "No need! I’ll take my leave for today. General, I’ll trouble you to escort the prisoner to the palace."

Evan Xiao nodded.

Prime Minister Zhu exchanged a meaningful look with Evan Xiao, then turned to Grace with fatherly affection. "Grace, come home with me!"

Grace nodded and obediently followed her father.

After a few steps, she couldn’t help but glance back at Evan Xiao. Her gaze was as sticky-sweet as caramelized yam candy...

Evan Xiao kept a straight face, but the fingers hidden in his sleeve curled ever so slightly.

Seeing his cold expression, Grace turned away, disappointed, and trudged after her father.

Evan Xiao watched the father and daughter’s figures disappear around the corner, then turned and went back inside.

Once he left, Butler Qin and Lu Xin huddled together, whispering.

"Hey! What did the General and the Prime Minister talk about?" Lu Xin asked.

Butler Qin shook his head. "No idea!"

"You were right outside the door and couldn’t hear a thing?"

"I think I heard the Prime Minister thank the General, maybe even kneel to thank him. I definitely heard the General say, 'Prime Minister, please get up.'"

"Yeah, that’s more like it. The Zhu family really ought to thank our General." Lu Xin said, nodding smugly.

"I also heard the General mention 'Miss Lawrence,'" Butler Qin whispered, looking all gossipy.